Birkirkara struck in the dying stages to pull off a 2-1 win over Pietà Hotspurs after the relegation strugglers had levelled matters three minutes earlier.
The Stripes were the better side for most of the game but they lacked flair and punch in the final third.
With this win, Birkikara have ensured that they will remain second going into the international break.
Birkirkara created a hatful of chances in the first half but failed to break the deadlock.
Their first opportunity came after seven minutes.
Nasser Maachi's left-wing corner drifted above the on-rushing Miguel Montfort and the ball landed at the feet of Mauricio Mazzetti at the far post. The Argentine defender hit his effort towards goal but Christian Grech, the Hotspurs captain, cleared the danger.
On another occasion, Ryan Camenzuli sprinted into the box but his cross-cum-shot failed to reach Shola Haruna in the six-yard box.
Birkirkara continued to press forward. On 13 minutes, Zach Muscat broke clear on the right before teeing up Ryan Scicluna but the latter's effort was beaten away by Montfort.
Pietà finally produced an opportunity of their own when Charles Newuche, cutting into the box from the left, passed the ball to Frances but the Argentine miscued his shot.
Another inviting cross from the dynamic Camenzuli was cut out by Montfort who just managed to anticipate Maachi. The ball dropped to Haruna but his attempt was cleared away by Jurgen Pisani.
Birkirkara were unlucky not to break the stalemate as Camenzuli's perfect cross prompted Maachi to summon a half-volley that rolled just wide of the near post.
Justin Haber, the Birkirkara goalkeeper, then blocked a central drive from Frances.
Four minutes into the second half, the Hotspurs pushed forward on the counter through Luke Micallef but his angled drive was high.
Referee Chris Lautier ignored Birkirkara's penalty appeals after Scicluna's pass appeared to come off Jurgen Pisani's arm.
As in the first half, Birkirkara dominated possession but they were sloppy in attack.
The Hotspurs also had a penalty claim dismissed by Lautier after Frances went dow when tackled by Scicluna but, in their next foray, Birkirkara struck.
Montfort had initially denied the Stripes when tipping away Joseph Zerafa's rising effort but, from the ensuing corner, the ball was only cleared as far as Zach Muscat whose first-time effort rolled into the far corner.
With eight minutes remaining, Haber stopped Gabriel's header after the Brazilian, on as a substitute, had met Frances's corner at the far post.
As the end approached, Pietà made reaction. They equalised five minutes from time when Luke Micallef burst through the middle before passing to Pisani whose measured cross was headed in by Leo Fortunato.
Pietà thought they had rescued a point but Birkirkara regained their lead two minutes from time.
Montfort had produced a fine save to push away Nikola Vukanac's header but from the resultant corner, taken by Edmond Agius, who had replaced Maachi, Mazzetti blasted home after his initial effort had been blocked.
Birkirkara midfielder Paul Fenech was named BOV player of the match.